Charles Francis (Democrat) announced Sunday that he will file for a runoff election against Mayor Nancy McFarlane (Independent).
“I am here today to announce that I am calling for a Nov. 7 runoff election,” Francis said. “In my view, the choice facing Raleigh voters is clear.”
McFarlane garnered approximately 6,000 more votes than Francis and 18,000 more than challenger Paul Fitts (Republican).
“The incumbent has run for mayor four times, and in each election, her vote total has gone down,” Francis said.
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McFarlane received 61 percent of the vote in 2011, 72 percent in 2013 and 74 percent in 2015.
Early voting for the runoff election will begin on Thursday, Oct. 19, and election day will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 7.
